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Jaleel Shaw: The Soundtrack of Things to Come
ByInspired by works of art and moving personal life experiences The Soundtrack of Things to Come is Shaw's heartfelt music expression through ten original compositions delivered by a strong quartet that has performed together since 2011. Each piece tells its own story beginning with "I Wish I Didn't Know," where Shaw's horn speaks of melancholy and asks probing questions as the band artfully maneuvers the theme's swinging tempo. It's followed by whirlwind changes in "Conclusions," where bassist Boris Kozlov lays down a groovy vamp that's propelled by sizzling drummer Johnathan Blake and fully exploited via passionate solos from Shaw and pianist Lawrence Fields.
Among center of the well-placed ballads and cookers lies "The Wheel of Life," which was inspired by the cloth painting found in New York's Rubin Museum of Art and illustrates the Buddhist doctrineThe Four Truths. Its spiralling turns contain everything from an Irish-like theme, stirring feats of improvisational changes and exhilarating group collaboration. Other notable pieces include the sweet but abrupt groove, called "The Understanding," which features a Robert Glasper/J-Dilla-esque vibe and the set closer "Faith." The piece unfolds with a serene reverence as Fields perfectly accents chords before Shaw opens the flood gates, his horn fervently preaching the gospel message. It's a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable release.
Track Listing
I Wish I Didn't Know; Conclusions; Ballerina; The Wheel Of Life; The Understanding; Chroma; Sister; Leel's Tune; Song For Sid; Faith.
Personnel
Jaleel Shaw
saxophone, altoJaleel Shaw: saxophones; Lawrence Fields: piano; Boris Kozlov: bass; Johnathan Blake: drums.
Album information
Title: The Soundtrack of Things to Come | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Changu Records
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About Jaleel Shaw
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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